Tokyo Electron Taiwan Unit Employee Charged with Data Theft Offense
In a significant development, the Intellectual Property Branch of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office has announced the indictment of three individuals, including a former employee of Tokyo Electron Taiwan Ltd., a subsidiary of the major Japanese chipmaking equipment maker Tokyo Electron.
The former employee, who previously worked for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), is accused of illegally obtaining confidential information from TSMC. The objective of this alleged violation was to improve Tokyo Electron's processing machines and secure a qualification related to TSMC's mass production of cutting-edge semiconductors with a circuit line width of 2 nanometers.
The indictment also includes Chen Li-ming, a former TSMC employee, who is accused of stealing trade secrets related to TSMC's 2-nanometer chip technology to assist Tokyo Electron in supplier contracts.
The case was first brought to light when the former employee was charged by Taiwanese prosecutors on August 27, 2024. Tokyo Electron, in response, dismissed the employee from its subsidiary in early August.
The alleged violation of Taiwan's security law is under investigation by the Intellectual Property Branch of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office. If found guilty, the three individuals involved in the case are recommended to be sentenced to seven to 14 years in prison.
Tokyo Electron Taiwan Ltd. is a subsidiary of Tokyo Electron, a company that plays a significant role in the global semiconductor industry. The former employee joined the subsidiary after leaving TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor foundry.
It is reported that the former employee acquired TSMC's confidential information from their acquaintances at the company. The case underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property and maintaining ethical standards in the competitive semiconductor industry.
As the investigation continues, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for both Tokyo Electron and TSMC, as well as the broader semiconductor industry.
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